French World Cup winner Patrick Vieira is in line to make his eagerly-anticipated home debut as Manchester City aim to get their bid for a European place back on track with victory over strugglers Bolton. Winger Adam Johnson could also start his first game for City against the Trotters who are expected to feature exciting on-loan Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere at some stage.
Quick Check
Manchester City
- Winger Adam Johnson is hoping to make his full debut after his £7m move from Middlesbrough.
- Patrick Vieira is set to feature at home for the first time.
- Defender Joleon Lescott is back in contention after recovering from knee surgery.
- Striker Carlos Tevez has scored ten goals in his last ten Premier League games – but none in his last three.
- City are still unbeaten at home this season, taking 27 points from a possible 33.
- Vincent Kompany will miss his second game in four days because of a groin injury.
- Micah Richards and Roque Santa Cruz are still injury doubts with calf problems.
- Midfielder Michael Johnson will miss the rest of the season with a long-term knee problem.
Bolton Wanderers
- On-loan Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is hoping to make his debut.
- American Stuart Holden could also feature for the first time after overcoming a minor injury.
- Striker Ivan Klasnic is hoping to return after an ankle problem.
- Klasnic scored twice when the two teams shared a 3-3 draw at the Reebok Stadium in December.
- Bolton’s clean sheet against Fulham at the weekend was their second in three games.
- Midfielder Mark Davies is still battling to recover from an ankle injury.
- Owen Coyle’s side last won away from home in September.
Expert Advice
Manchester City may well be unbeaten at home but their challenge for a top-four place is in danger of petering out if they are not careful following some indifferent performances over the last month. An agonising defeat to city rivals Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-finals looks to have taken away much of their momentum and, critically, Carlos Tevez has stopped scoring in front of goal. The return of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor will help but they might to get things all their own way against Bolton. Owen Coyle’s men are still deep in relegation trouble but have tightened things up considerably at the back while they showed in December that they have the weapons going forward to bother City. A close game looks in prospect but home advantage may prove decisive and Betsson’s odds of 3.7 for a City win by one goal appears a value bet.
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